RS - 211 - TO DISCONTINUE THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE

(Submitted by James T. McPhee, District Superintendent, Tri-State District)

WHEREAS the First United Methodist Church (originally the “Browns Hill Methodist Episcopal Church”) located in South Portland, Maine, has existed for 210 years with a long and proud history of mission and faithful ministry; and

WHEREAS in their ongoing efforts to be faithful to God and responsible to their obligations they have had a ¼ time pastoral appointment for several years in addition to maintaining their building and other missional and connectional responsibilities; and

WHEREAS the membership of the First United Methodist Church, South Portland has significantly decreased; and

WHEREAS the congregation has prayerfully explored all of their options for several years, including participating in a “possibility study” (¶213); and

WHEREAS on October 5, 2013, at a special Church Conference the remaining members of the congregation unanimously gave thanks to Almighty God for their long history, celebrated their history and journey and decided to say goodbye to the First United Methodist Church, South Portland and to begin a new chapter in their faith journey; and

WHEREAS a final worship service of celebration had previously been conducted on August 25, 2013; and

WHEREAS a service of de-consecration was held following the Church Conference on October 5, 2013; and

WHEREAS the District Superintendent, has recommended the Discontinuance of the First United Methodist Church, South Portland and has received consent from the presiding Bishop, a majority of the District Superintendents, and all proper Disciplinary requirements have been complied with,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the First United Methodist Church, South Portland be declared discontinued effective October 5, 2013, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the building belonging to the First United Methodist Church, South Portland and any other assets and property belonging to the First United Methodist Church, South Portland which were not otherwise designated prior to the date of discontinuance, shall become the property of the Trustees of the New England Annual Conference, and that assets shall be deployed as directed by the Book of Discipline and the New England Conference Policies.